This is a very compelling essay by Andrew C. Revkin, challenging
readers to ask themselves why some sentient beings seem to be more
worthy of rights and protection than others. He raises the issue of
nonhuman personhood, pondering the question of basic rights such as
to live free from human exploitation.

Indeed, the issue of animal rights is a very controversial one,
especially because history has shown us that humans may rationalize
horrific acts if they benefit from them (slavery, holocaust,
Inquisition, factory farming, etc.). However, the undeniable
evidence that God’s animals suffer much in our hands, and most of
the time unnecessarily and unjustly, should prompt us to examine our
motives. If our motives and choices are not aligned with our Faith,
then we should make the necessary changes so they become aligned. I
think that eating God’s animals, in this day and age, is mainly
driven by taste, habit and convenience and not by compassion, mercy
and love.